Ducati Team To Confirm GP12’s Progress at Aragon

Two weeks ago at Misano, Ducati Team’s Valentino Rossi took his best of 2012 MotoGP – second.

The nine-time World Champion, which will return in 2013 aboard the factory Yamaha, attributed the results to the new frame and swingarm the Ducati Team used at Misano, reporting the GP12 had better “feeling” and was “better balanced on acceleration.”

Rossi’s teammate, Nicky Hayden, also reported the GP12 felt better en route to a seventh-place finish at Misano, though the American was recovering from a hand injury sustained at Indy.

And at the Spanish Motorland Aragon circuit this weekend, round 14 of 18, the Ducati Team will be looking to confirm the progress made on the development of the Desmosedici at another circuit.

Rossi’s best finishes at Aragon were sixth in 2010 (Yamaha), and 10th in 2011 (Ducati). As for Hayden, he took a podium (third) there in 2010 (Ducati), and seventh last season (Ducati).

Valentino Rossi (Ducati Team GP12 MotoGP) says: “We come to Aragon with a positive outlook after the Misano result, even if we also know that every race has its own story. It will be our first chance to check if the progress we’ve made will also be confirmed at this track, which is very different from Misano.

“It’s fast and challenging, and managing the tires at lean angle is very important. Concerning that, during the test after the last race, we tried a swingarm that I liked as it provides a bit more grip with the bike leaned over and stresses the tyres less. Anyway, we’ll see. It will be a chance to understand if we’ve really improved.”

Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team GP12 MotoGP) says: “For me, Aragon is a fun circuit. I like tracks that have a bit of elevation change, and Aragon definitely has some ups and downs. There are also some blind parts that make it technical but also enjoyable, as well as some good places to pass. I’m looking forward to seeing how much better my hand will be than it was at Misano, and also to having the new chassis.

“I definitely had a little bit better feeling with it at the test, so it will be nice to go there and start with it. I’m sure we’ll need to make a couple of adjustments to the setup, but I’ll be interested to see how we can get on there.”

Vittoriano Guareschi (Ducati Team Manager) says: “We come to Aragon after a positive race with Valentino at Misano, and after a test that gave us some promising signs. It will be interesting to check if what we’ve found works as well on a completely different track. Anyway, back home we’ll keep working just as hard on development. In addition to Vale, we’ll be able to count on Nicky’s feedback at Aragon, as he’ll certainly be in better shape than he was at Misano, although probably still not 100%.”